Venice Marco Polo Airport Transfers (VCE)

Touching down in "La Serenissima"? Welcome to Venice! Your journey into this magical, floating city of winding canals, marble palaces, and timeless romance begins now.

But arriving in Venice presents a unique challenge—the "last mile" isn't on a road, but on water. Navigating the journey from the airport to your hotel can be a confusing first step. With our premier Venice airport transfers, your arrival is one less thing to worry about. We make your Venice airport to hotel transfer seamless, bypassing the chaotic public transport queues. Your private, pre-booked ride is waiting.

This guide is your must-have resource for navigating your way through Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and into the amazing city of Venice. We've packed it with details on the airport's setup, its awesome facilities, and the best ways to get right into the heart of the city.

VCE Airport Overview

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the city's main international gateway, conveniently located on the mainland at Tessera. It's a modern, single-terminal airport that is beautifully designed and easy to navigate, with stunning views of the lagoon upon arrival and departure.

The Airport Layout

The VCE airport consists of a single, three-story terminal building:

• Ground Floor: Arrivals hall, baggage claim, customs, and the main meeting point for your airport pickup.
• First Floor: Departures, check-in desks, and security.
• Second Floor: Departure gates, airline lounges, and shopping.

A key feature is the covered walkway from the first floor to the Darsena (the airport's boat dock), where you can access private water taxis and the Alilaguna water bus.

Parking at Venice Marco Polo Airport

Parking at Venice Marco Polo Airport is well-organized, with several on-site options located just a short walk from the main terminal building. 

• Short-Term Parking: If you're just dropping someone off or picking them up, the Short-Term lot is your best choice. It's located right in front of the terminal for the quickest access, making it perfect for brief stays.

• P1 Multi-Story Garage: This is the most popular and convenient covered garage, located just a 2-minute walk from the terminal. It's ideal for business travelers, weekend trips, or anyone who wants the comfort of a covered space close to check-in.

• P2, P3, and P4 Garages: These are other nearby parking lots, also just a few minutes' walk away, offering a great balance of convenience and price for trips of a few days.

• P5 Economy Lot: For the most budget-friendly long-term parking, the P5 lot is the best option. It's located a bit further away, but a free, 24/7 shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes to take you directly to and from the terminal.

• Cell Phone Lot: If you're picking someone up, you can wait for free in the designated Cell Phone Lot. Once your party has their bags and is ready at the curb, they can call you for a quick pickup.

To get the best rates and guarantee your spot, especially during the busy summer season, it is highly recommended to pre-book your parking online through the official Venice Airport website before you travel.

Venice Marco Polo Airport Lounge Options

• Marco Polo Club

If you're looking to relax before your flight, Venice Marco Polo Airport's main lounge is the Marco Polo Club. You'll find this beautifully designed lounge on the second floor, just after you pass through the main security checkpoint. It's a popular choice known for its fantastic, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer great views of the runway.

Access is available to many travelers. Passengers flying in Business or First Class on most major airlines, like British Airways or Emirates, will likely receive an invitation. It's also accessible to members of lounge programs like Priority Pass. 

If you don't have a membership, you can often purchase a single-visit pass at the door, as long as the lounge isn't too crowded. Inside, you can enjoy a high-quality buffet with hot and cold snacks, salads, and pastries, along with a complimentary bar serving prosecco, wine, and great Italian coffee.

• Casa Alitalia

Besides the Marco Polo Club, there is also Casa Alitalia for passengers flying in premium classes with ITA Airways or their SkyTeam partners.

It's very important to know that these lounges are located before you go through passport control for non-Schengen flights (to destinations like the UK, USA, or the Middle East). If you're on one of these flights, be sure to leave the lounge with plenty of time to clear immigration, as there are no full-service lounges after that final checkpoint.

Hotels Near Venice Marco Polo Airport

If you have an early morning flight or get in late at night, staying at a hotel near the airport is a fantastic, stress-free option. 

• Courtyard by Marriott Venice Airport: This is one of the most popular and reliable choices. It's not quite walking distance, but it's just a 2-minute drive and offers a convenient shuttle service to and from the terminal.

• Annia Park Hotel Venice Airport: A top-rated option, this hotel is located in a historic building and is one of the closest to the airport. You can walk there in about 7-10 minutes, or you can use their paid shuttle service.

• Best Western Titian Inn Hotel Venice Airport: Located just a few minutes away by car, this hotel offers a comfortable stay and a reliable paid shuttle service, making it a favorite for travelers.

• Antony Hotel: This is another popular choice, especially for families. It's a short 5-minute drive from the airport and provides a regular shuttle service.

Venice Airport Transportation Options

Getting from VCE to the historic center of Venice is a two-part journey: a land part and a water part. The last place cars can go is a large transportation hub called Piazzale Roma. From there, you must travel to your hotel by water or on foot.

TravelThru Airport Transfer Service

Your time in Venice is for gliding down canals and exploring hidden alleyways, not for dragging luggage over bridges or waiting in a hot bus queue. Our pre-booked airport transfer is the most intelligent and direct start to your Venetian holiday.

With Travelthru, you get more than just a ride; you get a seamless, luxury experience. Your professional driver, part of our luxury chauffeur service, will greet you inside the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage, and escort you to a pristine, executive vehicle.

We offer a direct, private, and comfortable transportation service from the airport to Piazzale Roma, the city's main gateway. From there, you can board your pre-arranged private water taxi or the public Vaporetto to your hotel's doorstep.

Other Transportation Alternatives

• Private Water Taxi: The most glamorous (and expensive) option. These boats leave directly from the airport's dock and can take you straight to your hotel's private entrance on the canal.

• Alilaguna Water Bus: A public airport shuttle (water bus) that runs on several lines, making multiple stops around Venice, including St. Mark's Square.

• Public Land Bus (ATVO/ACTV): An affordable express bus service that runs directly from the airport to Piazzale Roma.

• Land-Based Airport Taxi Transfers: Standard taxis are also available to take you on the same land route to Piazzale Roma.

Things to Do in Venice, Italy

• St. Mark's Square & Basilica: Visit the magnificent "drawing room of Europe," see the stunning Byzantine architecture of the Basilica, and climb the Campanile for a breathtaking view.

• Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): Walk across the most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal and explore the bustling Rialto Market.

• Doge's Palace: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this was the center of Venetian government and the home of its leader.
  Take a Gondola Ride: A classic, non-negotiable experience. See the city's hidden canals from the water as a gondolier navigates the quiet waterways.

• Visit Murano & Burano: Take a Vaporetto to the nearby islands, famous for their world-class glass-blowing (Murano) and colorful fishermen's houses (Burano).

How to Get Around Venice

Walking

You absolutely have to explore Venice on foot. It's a super compact, charming maze of alleys and bridges. Seriously, getting a little lost is practically guaranteed and totally part of the fun! To find your way back, just keep an eye out for the signs pointing to "Rialto" or "S. Marco." One crucial tip: You'll want to live in comfortable shoes, so pack your best pair.

Use the Vaporetto 
 

This is the public bus system, but on water. It's perfect for long-distance trips down the Grand Canal or for visiting the islands of Murano and Burano. Top Tip: Don't buy single tickets. Get a 1, 2, or 3-day pass for unlimited rides. It's by far the best value. Remember to tap your pass on the machine before you board.
 

Take a Water Taxi 
 

These are the "limousines" of the canals—fast, private, and luxurious. They will take you and your luggage directly to your hotel's private dock. It's the most expensive option but a fantastic, stress-free way to arrive from the airport, especially if you're in a group.
 

Ride a Gondola
 

This is not transportation; it's a 30-minute sightseeing tour of the quiet, hidden canals. It’s a classic, romantic experience with a fixed official price (around €80-€100 per boat, not per person).
 

Cross with a Traghetto 
 

Need to cross the Grand Canal where there's no bridge? Look for a traghetto. It's a no-frills gondola that rows you across for just a couple of euros. It's a quick, local experience.